You should get checked if this issue doesn’t go away as it possibly might be the first sign of cancer
The NHS has shared the subtle signs of a rare but serious form of cancer. Many of these red flags could easily be ignored and dismissed until it becomes too late.
Stomach cancer is not very common in the UK, according to the NHS. It’s easy to mistake symptoms as something else entirely, but getting checked by a doctor can increase your chance of survival if cancer is found.
Stomach cancer has a few “hard to spot” symptoms that primarily affect your ability to digest food. You might notice:
- heartburn or acid reflux
- having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
- feeling or being sick
- symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot that doesn’t go away
- feeling full very quickly when eating
Some people might also notice other symptoms, including losing appetite, weight loss without trying, general pain, or a lump at the top of their stomach. If you have one or any of these signs, it may not be cancer at all, but getting checked out is always the safest option.
If the symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable. The NHS website states: “If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.” It adds: “You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
You should book in to see your GP if you haveproblems swallowing, a lump in your stomach or lost a noticeable amount of weight. If you have any other symptoms of stomach cancer that get worse or do not get better after three weeks, this is also time to arrange an appointment.
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is more common in older people and men in particular. However, the risk is still there for younger people and women. It is important to note that stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a fairly uncommon type of cancer. Most stomach cancers don’t cause any symptoms until they’re more advanced.
Other symptoms of stomach cancer can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, bloody or black stools, vomiting, and fluid build-up in the abdomen. You should seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or last for more than two or three weeks.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are key factors that can increase your likelihood of developing cancer overall, not just in the stomach. According to Cancer Research UK, around 5% of stomach cancer cases in the UK are caused by being overweight or obese.
Around four in 10 UK cancer cases could be prevented through healthy changes. A balanced, low-fat, high-fibre diet can help decrease your chances, as well as other cancers and heart disease.
There isn’t one diet that can guarantee you won’t get cancer, as told by Cancer Research UK. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk due to better weight management and less cell damage.
It can be overwhelming to learn you have cancer but there is plenty of support available across the UK from organisations like Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and Maggie’s Centres. You can find lots of details about getting support for yourself or family members here.
